Become a Camp Grandparent: The Ultimate Supporter!

 

Are you ready to make a lasting impact? As a Camp Grandparent (or Auntie/Uncle), you'll be the heart and soul of our camp community! Your role is to be a source of encouragement and love, cheering on campers and staff alike. Whether it’s celebrating a child’s first catch while fishing, complimenting a camper in a beautiful dress, or providing comfort to those feeling homesick, you’ll be there to make a difference.

 

Who You’ll Work With:

- Reports To: Camp Director and Program Manager  

- Who You Serve: Campers and camp staff  

 

Main Goal: 

Enhance the camp experience by lending a listening ear, giving hugs, and speaking words of encouragement.

 

What You’ll Do:

- Be a Listening Ear: Be available for campers who need someone to talk to, whether they’re feeling sad or need help with a task.

- Encourage Growth: Embrace “teachable moments” to help campers see the bigger picture, guiding them through challenges with kindness.

- Write Letters of Love: Send daily letters to campers, sharing words of encouragement, Bible verses, and observations of their strengths. Stationery and stickers will be provided!

- Engage in Activities: Get hands-on with crafts, nature hikes, archery, fishing, and more! Your involvement will enrich their camp experience.

- Share Your Faith: Spend time in prayer and reflect on your faith, being ready to discuss spiritual questions with campers when they arise.

- Observe and Connect: Spend time with campers throughout the day, noticing their achievements and challenges, and celebrating their successes. Participate in camp activities, sit with wagon teams during meals or evening chapel, and hang around popular spots like hammocks or carpet ball tables.

- Read Rest Time Stories: Read to assigned camper teams each afternoon. Choose a book in advance and familiarize yourself with it before story time.

- Support Homesick Campers: Offer companionship to campers who are homesick, tired, or need a timeout.

- Help in Various Roles: Assist in areas you enjoy, such as serving in the kitchen, teaching a class, or doing maintenance jobs.

- Encourage Staff: Be available to listen and provide advice, pray with troubled staff, and praise their efforts regularly.

- Fill Out Camp Evaluations: Complete evaluations on Friday afternoon to reflect on the week.

 

We know there is a lot on this list. Please let us know your limits and what you can physically do. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remember we are a team—communication is key! Your well-being is essential; your value lies in your presence more than in doing. Don’t burn yourself out. Pray, pray, pray—the campers, counselors, and entire staff need your continual prayers!

 

If you’re ready to share your wisdom, love, and enthusiasm with the next generation, join us as a Camp Grandparent at Camp David! Your presence will make a world of difference!